Citizens Police & Fire Academy
What is the Citizens Police and Fire Academy?
Are you interested in getting an up-close look at what police officers and firefighters do? The Citizens Police and Fire Academy is a 10-week program, with one block of instruction per week, designed to give participants an understanding of the operations of the Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments and a working knowledge of what law enforcement and firefighting is all about. The academy classes are held once a week, every Tuesday, and are two hours in duration. Most of the classes will be held at the Des Plaines Police Department or City Hall from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Some classes will be held offsite. The class will be limited to 20 students, so register early. The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony and each student will receive a Certificate of Completion.
There is no cost to participate.
Each class will provide an overview of various areas of law enforcement or firefighting. Classes will be given on the following topics:
- History of the Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments
- Qualifications/hiring process
- Patrol functions
- Fire/paramedic operations
Why Participate?
The Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments adhere to the philosophy of community outreach and are committed to developing partnerships with the citizens of the City and surrounding communities. The Citizens Police and Fire Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to develop direct lines of communication with the Police and Fire Department. The citizens participating in the academy will have a working knowledge of the Des Plaines Police Department and the Des Plaines Fire Department and their functions. The hope is that the instruction will strengthen police/fire community rapport through an educational process, increase understanding of police/fire practices and procedures, and dispose of misconceptions. The police and fire departments in turn become more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves.
Who Can Attend?
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and reside or work in the City of Des Plaines or a surrounding community. They must be of good moral character with no felony convictions. There will be a criminal history review conducted on each applicant prior to acceptance into the academy. An application for the academy must be completed and signed along with a waiver of liability. You will be notified when you are accepted into the Citizens Police and Fire Academy.
What the Academy is NOT
The Citizens Police and Fire Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers or firefighters. The participation and completion of the academy is designed to develop partnerships with the community. Graduating from the academy does not grant police or fire authority to participants.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all sessions to graduate. We understand that emergencies do occur. If you are unable to attend a session, please contact our Specialized Training and Relations Team member, Officer Katie Kozlowski, at 847-391-5410. If you have more than two unexcused absences, you will not be allowed to graduate. Out of courtesy to the instructors and your fellow students, please arrive on time.
To Apply to the Citizens Police and Fire Academy
If you are interested in applying for the Citizens Police and Fire Academy, you may apply electronically through the form below or complete a paper application and return it to the Des Plaines Police Department. Paper applications can be downloaded below, picked up at the Police Department, or requested by email. Completed paper applications should be returned to Officer Kozlowski by the due date listed for each class. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the Des Plaines Citizens Police and Fire Academy approximately one week prior to the class starting.
Click here to view form.